2021 Hobie Compass on the water review - first fishing trip on the new kayak

In this video, I go through the process of how I car-top and launch my new 2021 Hobie compass for a quick afternoon fishing trip in the Long Island Sound. With absolutely beautiful weather conditions, I explain some of the positives and negatives that I have found so far during this first fishing outing. And yes, there will be a little bit of blackfish (tautog) fishing and underwater footage as well because that's what makes it all worth it. Enjoy!
Here's a link to the playlist with all the mod videos I've done to this kayak since this maiden voyage: • Hobie Compass 2021 Kay...
Here's a link to a more recent video on how I put the kayak back onto the roof rack: • How I Car-Top my kayak...
#hobiecompass #kayakfishing #hobiekayakdiy

[@stovic1442]

Well done for talking through the process. People need to see this not just the out fishing bit. It's why I haven't bought a hard shell yet. I have an inflatable and a cheap anchor/rods etc and love it but I still haven't convinced myself with the other side. Getting it on a van, trying not to take too much stuff!

[@PeterRanieriII]

Thanks Stovi, I agree that more people should be aware of the "not so fun" aspects of the heavier peddle kayaks. I mean I think its still worth it but there are certainly days when I just dont want to put that dang thing up there and then take it down and rinse it blah blah blah. The less stuff you can make it work with the better too, thats so important. Hey the best kayak or inflatable is the one you use the most so whatever gets you out there the most is the best!

[@FishinAccomplished]

Nice vid as always! I really appreciate that you show everyone just how much is involved in just being able to get the kayak in the water... prior to buying a hobie, I was really curious how other people got their boats, and subsequent gear around! Regardless, the new rig looks great!

[@PeterRanieriII]

Appreciate the comment. Same here man, when bought my first Hobie, luckily I had a roof rack but I just put it upside down tied with ropes all over the place just to get it home from where I bought it, haha. I really couldn't find a lot of videos of how people transported/mobilized them, so sorta had to learn as I went. But yea and the amount of gear just always seems to increase over time, lol I try to pack light. Thanks again, excited to get out there more on it!

[@joncalvo3591]

Best video on car carry and beaching yak and gear. Thanks man !

[@PeterRanieriII]

Thanks Jon! I appreciate the positive feedback. They key is to take as little as possible…still working on that lol

[@antoniobuffolino7740]

Congrats on your new hobie the more you use it the more idea's you'll get. I think I added another 50 lbs to my yak with all my idea's see ya out there

[@PeterRanieriII]

Thanks Antonio! I think your absolutely right, just gotta use it more and more, and the ideas to make it better will come. Haha, an extra 50lbs of ideas seems about right, the mods to the kayak become just as fun as the fishing it seems...well almost. See ya out there soon!

[@LI-FLKayakFisherman]

Pete, good video. You’ll learn where the best placement is for all the accessories after using it a few times. I’m thinking of getting out this weekend with my Outback. Anxious to hear what you find in the Sound. BTW I use Boeshield T-9 to lube the mirage drive.

[@PeterRanieriII]

Thanks! I agree, overtime I’ll find new ways to organize and keep stuff. Oh nice you have the outback, do you car top it? I hope I can get out too this weekend, weather looks great. The sound just didn’t seem all that alive yet but hopefully soon we’ll start seeing it pick up. Thanks for that tip on the lube/corrosion protection I def going to get some

[@CP-rp7yp]

it's a start, good job!

[@CP-rp7yp]

ive had some luck the other way.

[@CP-rp7yp]

some decent boulders

[@PeterRanieriII]

Thanks C P! That’s interesting you had some luck on the boulders, but awesome man. For whatever reason the Boulder areas I tried were just dead, nothing going on...idk these fish are tricky but I’m going to figure them out!

[@CP-rp7yp]

@@PeterRanieriII I bet its the water temps, where i fished it was below 15ft (last year). have you ever tried the reef before?

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@CP-rp7yp yea the reef is decent, I found a couple small ones there last year but it was later in April and for whatever reason I’ve never got into a really hot bite there. I should try it again this year tho. The other thing is that area is a bit more fished bc of the access and it just seems those big boulders are too easy to find if that makes any sense

[@liamgarvey33]

Nice video, and showing the set up was a good idea. Make sure you wear a life jacket at all times! Even when the condition are ideal and you're concentrating on making a video, put on the life jacket on, make it total habit. Good luck.

[@PeterRanieriII]

Thanks, I figured I should just show the whole process and I kinda wanted to see how long it takes me too, haha. Yea the no life jacket is no bueno, I have actually since been wearing it every trip to get in the habit like you said, and I'm getting back into being comfortable with it on. Thank you for the honest reminder, it's been helpful to have people on here comment about it and I'm realizing it's a mistake to not wear it. Thanks again and thanks for watching 👍

[@ernestomarcos11]

I know Im kinda randomly asking but does anybody know of a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@aresspencer7833]

@Ernesto Marcos flixportal =)

[@ernestomarcos11]

@Ares Spencer thanks, signed up and it seems to work :) Appreciate it !

[@aresspencer7833]

@Ernesto Marcos Glad I could help :D

[@blopez468th]

Thx for sharing your review of the compass! Can you detail how you attach your kill bag using the bow mesh cover please.

[@PeterRanieriII]

hey capt adobo, good question, I did mean to explain at 2:07 but then did the fast motion and forgot...the kill bag has rings that I threaded a rope through with the bow mesh also threaded through, then I just attach the bow mesh like you normally would with the Bungie corners onto the black studs attached to the bow. I no longer use this kill bag though as it was just a little too big for my use, now I have the canyon soft cooler just sit in the bow without the bow mesh

[@ReelJayB]

Nice video! I'm looking at buying a compass, this helps a lot trying to decide which one would be best for me.

[@PeterRanieriII]

Glad I could help you ReelJay, I definitely love this kayak, doesn't hurt though to research others just to be sure! But if you're looking for a durable hull that is lightweight and not too fancy then this is it I think, its a great kayak for DIY too!

[@karldehart5429]

I used stick on velcro to put a tray to put things in on the floor. One side of the velcro on the boat and one side on the bottom of the tray.

[@PeterRanieriII]

Thats a great idea, did it hold up with the constantly getting wet though?

[@dngendron]

Shimano Trevela rod? I have the TVC-60H for butterfly Jigging Bass but turns out it's been awesome for fluke and blacks. I have it paired with an AVET 2 speed reel.

[@PeterRanieriII]

Nice eye! Yep, its a trevala. I love that rod so light yet so strong, I also use it for deeper water blackfish/seabass/fluke if I know I'll need heavier weight like 8oz to hold bottom or something. I use it here on my kayak for the underwater camera setup because I just want it to be able to hold a lot of stuff on the other end and not worry about it

[@dngendron]

I just put a deposit on a compass. I’m also going to fish the sound. Where in the area do you fish from. I’m near Niantic, Groton area if your ever up to going out with others hit me up with a reply safety in numbers and I know the area because I used to fish the area for years with my power boat.

[@PeterRanieriII]

I'm in the western sound on the Long Island side, basically south across from Stamford, CT. Yea man, I love fishing in the sound on calm days, you're a bit east of me but for sure if I'm ever out that way or you're closer this way would def get out there with ya. Now with 2 kids, its getting a little tougher to get out to the further areas from my house but I always try to get out when I can! Thanks for watching, good luck with the new yak!

[@jimmason4896]

Please tell me about the gadget you placed on your rear window with suction cups. It looks store-bought,where did you get it? I need one desperately. If you made it please tell me how and where you purchased the parts. Thanks... great vid!

[@PeterRanieriII]

Sure! Here's the link where I got it: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WFJHPFY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You just have to be careful and make sure the glass is clean and free of dust when you attach the suction cups, one time they came loose and the kayak fell pretty hard

[@capcityorgnzr]

Got footage of you car topping the yak???

[@PeterRanieriII]

I don't but I can do one, next time I think of it, I'll do it.

[@badhombrefishing]

Thumbs up just for the beginning of the vid. What do you think about the new Lynx? Compass of Lynx?

[@PeterRanieriII]

Appreciate it man. I like the fact that it claims to be only 42lbs, but I don’t think that type of kayak/sup hybrid is good for me. When I bought this kayak I was torn between getting this or the new passport but when I saw the thermomolded material (which the lynx also uses) it just felt cheaper and it has a texture to it that will make it harder to clean. So I went with the sturdier rotomolded plastic (compass,outback,PA) and I’m happy I did. No matter how hard I tried to prevent the kayak from getting roughed up, it just happens from using it a lot and I think having thicker plastic was better for my use anyways. I also don’t like the idea of a flat deck surface. If you watch some of my videos, I like to throw fish in the front of the yak and then keep fishing if the bite is hot and i couldn’t do that with the lynx. I’m not sure the type of fishing you would be using it for but for the type I do, compass or outback makes the most sense, even though they are heavy and a pain to transport. this is just my opinion of my particular use and experience, maybe if you only sport fish calm water and like to stand up then it makes sense…

[@badhombrefishing]

@@PeterRanieriII thanks for you opinion!

[@hanslenders]

Nice video, watching this as I am expecting my new Compas in the next couple of days. The point you mention of the time it takes before/after being on the water is something often overlooked. Did you consider the BerleyPro Jigbucket for the small stuff?

[@PeterRanieriII]

Congrats on the new compass! I bet you are very excited, I hardly slept the night before I went to pick it up, haha. Yes the jig bucket is def something I looked at and its funny you mention it because its really the only thing I could find that would serve the purpose I'm looking for. I was worried initially about screwing into the rudder side but as you will see in an upcoming video when i go to install my fishfinder, the rudder line is out of the way and it won't be an issue. Thanks for the suggestion though, I do think I will be putting that one on the right side. Also, if you plan to do the rectangular hatch, there is a slight issue with the bucket insert hitting the bottom of the hull. I will have a video on that as well coming up but just be aware that you may want to consider the vertical orientation of that rectangular hatch.

[@hanslenders]

@@PeterRanieriII Thanks, yes, I am excited. Thanks for the tips, much appreciated as I do indeed plan to install the hatch.

[@stevehogan8829]

Thank you for sharing.

[@PeterRanieriII]

You got it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@LifeisGood-ye8rl]

Can I paddle while peddling for faster speed?

[@PeterRanieriII]

You can, I’ve tried this and it does make you go slightly faster but only slightly, not worth the extra energy I think. What really helped my speed was losing gear and reducing weight. In a later video I took only a rod and a couple lures (no crate no anchor no cooler) and I went from going about 3.75mph to 4.5mph by removing about 30lbs

[@nattybumppo4151]

What is that on the back that you are using to load/unload?

[@PeterRanieriII]

Its called the Codinter Kayak Roller. Here's an affiliate link: amzn.to/3I16wQG It's super helpful, especially if you have an antenna or you just don't want to slide it on the back of the car. I will say just be careful that when you suction cup it to the window that you make sure its a good suction because one time one of the suction cups came off while I was unloading and the kayak took a hard hit to the pavement 😒 but it was ok thankfully

[@nattybumppo4151]

@@PeterRanieriII Thank you!

[@SSHitMan]

What size is that fish bag? I just bought a 2022 Compass, they have a new seat this year it sits much higher and the straps fit just fine and nothing's in the way so they fixed that problem.

[@PeterRanieriII]

The was the 36” kill bag by reliable fishing products. I have since got the canyon soft cooler which sits in the front a little better as this bag was just too big. Nice tho man, congrats on the new compass, have you taken it out yet? I’m curious about the new seat if it’s comfortable for you as Ive had to tape a pool noddle to the back bar of the seat bc it digs into my rear. Glad they fixed the strap conflict though.

[@SSHitMan]

@@PeterRanieriII I haven't used it yet and won't for about 3 more months since everything is starting to freeze over. And I don't want to sit on it out of the water. The seat in 2022 sits much higher, it's about 3 and a half inches above the deck. There is no crossbar in the back so nothing to need a pool noodle for. I was looking at that 36" Reliable bag but thought it was a bit too big. The 24" bag looks about right and ~should~ fit into the front well with the fat extending a bit out of the front well but I can live with that. Fish longer than that will just have to bend a bit. I go to SW Florida every March so that is likely the first time I'll have it out on the water. I caught plenty of fish there from my Tarpon 120 but pedal power is a gamechanger, no more losing big redfish and snook because I got pulled into the mangroves! Plus I'm bound to catch more fish from the Compass simply because I'll have my lure in the water far more often now that I can fish while moving!

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@SSHitMan gotcha. Yea that sounds like the seat is completely different then. I hope it works for you. You’ll be fine with the 24” I think, the 36 was def just too big for the bow and never sat well. I agree any big fish you can bend and make fit or let his tail hang out. Oh man your going to have a blast with it down there in March, the pedals are such a game changer, I had a similar sit in kayak to the tarpon 120 before my first pedal kayak too. The reverse drive will be great in the mangroves!

[@lucasliving276]

Do you know where you bought that plastic piece that protects the rudder and acts as a stand when unloading and loading?

[@PeterRanieriII]

I got it from the hobie retailer that I bought the kayak at. I believe it was about 30$-40$. Here’s a link from mariner sails if you wanted to get it online: www.mariner-sails.com/compass-loader-81711000.html

[@jeffreyau1286]

May I ask where did u get that thing ( the one attached on ur trunk window ) when u unload or load ur kayak? Thankyou!!

[@PeterRanieriII]

Sure! Its called the Codinter Kayak Roller. Here's an affiliate link: amzn.to/3I16wQG It's super helpful, especially if you have an antenna or you just don't want to slide it on the back of the car. I will say just be careful that when you suction cup it to the window that you make sure its a good suction because one time one of the suction cups came off while I was unloading and the kayak and it took a hard hit to the pavement 😒 but it was ok thankfully

[@jeffreyau1286]

@@PeterRanieriII Thankyou so much :)

[@jeffreyau1286]

U use the regular fins or the turbo fins?

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@jeffreyau1286 I use the regular fins

[@jasoncolon8666]

Do you have the longer fins on your mirage drive ST turbo fins

[@PeterRanieriII]

I do not have the turbo fins. These are just the regular fins but they must be better designed than the V1 mirage drive fins (on my old kayak) because that’s the only ones I can compare it to.

[@jayl24]

Hi Peter, thanks for the nice vid! I finally launched my compass yesterday. Everything went ok. This is a nice kayak! One quick question: I noticed a small amount of water in the hull of my compass. Not sure how it got into the hull after a couple of hours on the water. I assume the seal is not 100% "air tight"? Any comments? Thank you!

[@PeterRanieriII]

Congrats! I’m glad you like it as well, and yea glad all is ok, that’s exactly why I launched 1 time before this vid just to make sure about leaks. I always find a small amount of water in the hull after an outing but I also think it’s mostly from the hatches not be completely sealed or my transducer or fish finder port. I don’t think I notice much at all if I didn’t get the deck wet during my outing. Do you recall water splashing on the deck while you were out?

[@jayl24]

@@PeterRanieriII Yes, some splashes and some rain as well. I tend to agree with you that things on the deck may not have been “perfectly” sealed. I guess a kayak is not a piece of precision machine. Again I like your vids! Thank you!

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@jayl24 ohh yea that’s just the deal with these kayaks they def get water inside especially if it rains, just this past weekend we had a lot of rain and I probably dumped out a whole gallon of water from inside the hull and I even had it mostly covered lol, I think it just finds it’s way from the top especially around the hatches.

[@jayl24]

@@PeterRanieriII I had noticed that when there was water in the hull, the bottom of one of the scupper holes slowly leaked water, as I could see tiny drips coming out slowly. I have since re-sealed all of the bottoms with bath/window silicon. Yesterday after a couple of hours on the water, there was very little water in the hull. Big improvement.

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@jayl24 oh dang! Yea I don't think the scupper should leak like that at all though, at least you fixed it but still, that kinda sucks there must be a hairline crack there, you have the black "reinforcement "pieces of plastic in the rear scuppers, right?

[@john-mf6jo]

The part that protects the rudder, does that come with it or is it aftermarket?

[@PeterRanieriII]

It’s an aftermarket piece you’d have to buy separate which is kind of annoying they should’ve included it but it’s about 35$ and I think totally worth getting if you need to transport via car/pickup

[@DakMinnMark]

What roof kayak rack do you use?

[@PeterRanieriII]

I got a pretty cheap one that looked very basic, heres the link: amzn.to/3wZg2j7 I do wish it was a little sturdier but so far I have had no issues, just cant put too much on it

[@DakMinnMark]

More expensive rack isn’t always the best. I have a Yakima kayak rack and it doesn’t really fit my compass at all because the compass is too wide. What kind of phone blocks do you have to support the Compass in the middle and where did you get that rack to help roll the compass on in the back.? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@PeterRanieriII]

​ @mark haugen check out this video I just posted: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opDFd4OgeMd-g5Y It shows all the links and gear and how I pivot the kayak onto the roller thing. This is the best way I've found to car top and transport

[@LI-FLKayakFisherman]

I’m not as young as you and my Outback is over 100# rigged so I use my Ridgeline with a bed extender😉

[@PeterRanieriII]

Haha yea pick ups seem the best option, then you can rig a lot of it in the bed too

[@sunnybhai1904]

No pfd?

[@PeterRanieriII]

I always have it with me (behind my crate), but no I don’t always wear it

[@sunnybhai1904]

@@PeterRanieriII that’s good! Safety should always be first! Better to have on since you may need it when you least expect it. It’s one of those things that when I see, I feel obligated to point out.

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@sunnybhai1904 I totally understand and you are 100% correct. I was much better about it and in the habit of wearing it when I first started but I’ve gotten lazy and overconfident, thanks for the sobering reminder

[@alessi1973]

@@PeterRanieriII where did you purchase the window suction cap mechanism? Has is been modified?

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@alessi1973 I got it on Amazon, heres the link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WFJHPFY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Its working pretty good so far, you just have to make sure its suctioned really good and the window is clean before you lean the weight of the kayak on it...it came loose once and the kayak fell pretty hard, but just minor dents/scratches

[@gennerobootz6490]

I want to get a kayak but I just want to spend a ton of money for one where can I get a nice used one

[@PeterRanieriII]

I started with just a basic sit-in pelican that I bought from a neighbor for like $50 or something. That’s where I would start, check those “let go/offer up” type apps or Facebook marketplace, buy the cheapest thing you can find and see if you really like it first before you spend 1k-3k on a pedal kayak. This is just my opinion but I wouldn’t buy a used pedal kayak unless you were getting it for very very cheap which right now is not really the case. New ones come with a warranty and it’s nice to have a proof of purchase / MSO if you later decide to register it for a motor.

[@gennerobootz6490]

@@PeterRanieriII Yeah I’m thinking about getting a wave runner

[@PeterRanieriII]

@@gennerobootz6490 🤣 now your talking, they look like a blast

[@jembatangaram5555]

Doiiinnk!.... Hiiyyaahh!....

[@PeterRanieriII]

Haha, amateur hour at the launch. Need some sound effects 😆. Thanks for watching!

[@747Stuartcampbell]

I Keep it simple just a back pack with a knife and pliers couple of tackle boxes and some sandwiches an esky with some beers all I need catch plenty of fish don't need all the fancy stuff

[@PeterRanieriII]

Your absolutely correct, I’ve since learned to pack much lighter, it makes a big difference on weight, time to pack, and if you tip not gunna lose so much stuff.

[@samlopez9460]

You carry a lot of stuff you don't need. You we learn that with the time.. it takes me just a minute put my hobie compass in the water.

[@PeterRanieriII]

I think your right! Still learning to be more efficient with the gear...I don't always bring the cooler and anchor but not sure what else I can leave. Probably less tackle, lol. What are the essentials you bring?

[@Hyerven]

For the price ... Why dont you buy a real boat ?

[@PeterRanieriII]

That’s a very legit question. I think for some people it would be better off just getting a small real boat. For me, this 12ft kayak is hard enough to store in my small backyard so I’d have to pay for a slip to hold a real boat. Then adding the cost for gas I would probably be paying more than I can afford. What’s nice about a kayak is you can launch it off a beach but a boat you need a ramp. Most fish are close to shore where I am anyways and I’d probably be mostly fishing the same areas in a boat that I do now in my kayak. For now I mostly fish solo too, if my kids later on want to go with me then I’d consider switching to a boat but for now it’s def the better option for me to stick with a kayak